Caviar backs up for Stakes

Black Caviar will chase her 19th consecutive win at Flemington this Saturday in the Group 1 $750,000 Coolmore Lightning Stakes (1000m) barring any setbacks this week.

The Peter Moody stable has confirmed that Australian racing's pin up girl has "pulled up super" following her triumph in Saturday's Group 1 Sportingbet C.F.Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Regular post-race inspections by her vet and chiropractor this morning were all positive, paving the way for connections to pursue a defence of her Lightning Stakes crown.

"She has pulled up super and will be nominated today with the intention of running on Saturday if all progresses well this week," Moody's racing manager Jeff O'Connor said.

"We have up until Saturday morning to decide if she runs, but the signs are all very positive at this stage and we are pressing on with the intention of running her."

Nominations for the weight-for-age Lightning Stakes, which doubles as the opening leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, close at 12 noon today with acceptances taken at 10am Wednesday.

Meanwhile Moonee Valley Racing Club have announced it will hold a two-day Cox Plate carnival this year, introducing a Group 1 night meeting on Cox Plate eve.

The eight-race night meeting on October 26 will include the Group 1 Manikato Stakes, the Group 2 Crystal Mile and Listed Crockett Stakes.